Maine warns consumers about health care scams

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine officials are warning residents about possible scams in the coming months as the federal health care law goes into effect.

Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa and Republican Gov. Paul LePage said in a statement Wednesday that several incidents have been reported nationwide of scammers trying to take advantage of consumers.

Officials say that scammers will pose as insurance agents or government representatives and ask for bank account and Social Security numbers or try to sell fraudulent insurance policies.

LePage is encouraging residents to call the insurance bureau if they get calls or messages from people selling insurance policies or claiming to be government officials.

Cioppa says to be wary of people who claim to be insurance agents who ask for personal or financial information when detailing policy options.